How to Whiten Caulk Around Bathroom Tiles

By Kayar Sprang Updated September 26, 2017

Because the bathroom is subjected to water and steam from daily baths and showers, it is hard to keep caulk in the bathroom looking good. White caulk around bathroom tiles can easily develop mold and mildew. The caulk can even turn yellow and look unsightly. If cleaning the caulk with a powerful household cleaner fails, you will need to buy a special whitening product.

Open the windows and doors in the bathroom to ventilate the area. You may also want to turn on the exhaust fan to help clear odors. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and safety goggles.

In a bucket, mix together 1/4 cup of bleach and 1 gallon of water. Dip an old, medium-bristled toothbrush into the solution. Scrub the caulk around the bathroom tiles to whiten it.

Rinse the caulk well with clean water to remove the bleach and dirt.

If the bleach solution did not clean the caulk, buy whitening grout cleaner and sealer. Follow the manufacturer's directions to achieve the best results.

Roll the whitener onto the caulk, making sure to cover all of it. Allow this product to dry for 24 hours.

Apply the grout sealer to the whitened caulk and work it in with a sponge. The caulk around the bathroom tiles should now be whitened and sealed.

Things You Will Need

Rubber gloves

Safety goggles

Bucket

Household bleach

Medium-bristled toothbrush

Whitening grout cleaner and sealer

Warning

Be careful when using bleach; do not splash it on your skin or clothing.

References

Resources

About the Author

Kayar Sprang has been a professional freelance writer and researcher since 1999. She has had articles published by clients like Kraft Foods, "Woman's Day" magazine and Mom Junction. Sprang specializes in subjects she has expertise in, including gardening and home improvement. She lives on and maintains a multi-acre farm.